Samsung has launched its first UltraHD monitors with AMD’s Freesync technology: the UE590 units that we saw (briefly) at CES (No More Plasma for Samsung, But LED is New Category).
Both new monitors – 23.6″ U24E590D and 28″ U28E590D – feature Freesync technology and have a 60Hz refresh rate. They are, in fact, almost identical to the UD590 monitors, launched last year (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 3), with the addition of Freesync.
Freesync is primarily a gaming feature, and Samsung has developed a Game Mode that is built in to the displays. This optimises image features, such as contrast, to present an optimal image. Picture-in- and picture-by-picture modes are also featured.
To make use more comfortable, the monitors are flicker-free, with a blue light filter. They will also tilt between -2° and 15° (23.6″) or 20° (28″).
Resolution is UltraHD, with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 100% sRGB coverage. However, different panels mean that several specifications differ between the models.
The 23.6″ monitor uses a PLS (Samsung’s IPS) panel. It has a 4ms response time, 300 cd/m² of brightness and 178° viewing angles. 8-bit colour is shown. The 28″ model features a TN panel, however, with a 1ms response time, 370 cd/m² of brightness and 170°/160° viewing angles. Samsung says that this unit supports 10-bit colour.
HDMI (supporting UltraHD at 60Hz) (x2) and DisplayPort inputs are featured. Both monitors are on sale now, for $400 (23.6″) and $600 (28″).
Analyst Comment
I’m in the market for a new monitor – Samsung’s 23.6″ looks like a real contender. That is a very competitive cost for the feature set. (TA)
